Estate Administration: Key Insights

Bridget is a Senior Associate in Taylor Shaw’s Dispute Resolution and Litigation team. She advises on a broad range of disputes, and her work regularly intersects with estate administration. She assists clients to identify pressure points early, including capacity and validity challenges, competing beneficiary claims, and executor decision-making.

Bridget is currently in the process of transitioning her own practice into private client work and is now increasingly advising on the administration process before it becomes contentious. This background in litigation enables Bridget to give clear advice that helps clients take the steps necessary to ensure the estate administration proceeds smoothly.

Kim James is a Registered Senior Legal Executive and Estates Manager at Taylor Shaw Lawyers, based in Christchurch. Taylor Shaw has a well‑established elder law and estates practice, providing specialist advice on estate administration, trusts, and related property matters.

Kim specialises in estate administration and the management of associated trusts. She has over 25 years’ experience across estates, residential conveyancing, and refinancing, enabling her to manage probate applications, asset realisation, and estate distributions efficiently and accurately.

Her practice includes advising clients on wills and enduring powers of attorney, ensuring estate planning and administration arrangements are practical, compliant, and tailored to individual circumstances.

Kim is known for her clear, pragmatic approach and her ability to guide clients through technically complex estate matters with sensitivity and professionalism.